Investigator: Copper thieves charged in Wilmot house explosion

WILMOT — Two men have been indicted in connection with a house explosion that left a man with severe burns to his face, hands and knees last May.

”The joint investigation into this incident revealed that Shane Fortier and Adam Dalton went to the residence at 543 Route 4A to steal copper from the home,” state Fire Marshal’s office investigator Adam Fanjoy said Thursday in a news release. “They were confronted by the victim and fled the property.

“Upon entering the residence, the victim discovered copper piping missing from the home and an explosion occurred when a light switch was turned on by the victim.“

The victim has not been identified by police or the Fire Marshal’s office.